The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar today launched a deworming drive by administering deworming tablets to the school children of High school Dewanbagh. The programme is being observed across districts under the banner of National Health Mission.
Joint Director Planning, Mohammad Yousuf Rather, Chief Medical officer Baramulla, Dr Bashir Ahmad Malik, RBSK Nodal Officer Dr Iqbal, DPMU Baramulla, Block Medical officer Sheeri Dr Nazir, Officers of Health and Education Departments besides students were presented in the function.
After inaugurating the drive, DC on this occasion apprised about the target groups and mentioned that Deworming helps in improving the nutrition level and learning abilities of children in addition to improving the overall health of children. Deworming reduces the risk of worm infections in children.
Dr Sehrish stressed on the children to maintain cleanliness by washing their hands before eating and also asked the teachers and officials to ensure cleanliness and good hygiene in and around the schools so that students do not fall ill.
The DC while highlighting the significance of the programme stressed for better coordination for the overall success of the drive and exhorted upon educating people at grassroots level and said that other vulnerable sections should be included in the programme.
She also stressed on the health officials to create awareness among the students regarding the benefits of cleanliness and ensure that cleanliness is maintained in schools.
Dr Sehrish also said that the education department has a vital role in awareness among the children about hygienic lifestyle. Moreover, the DC appealed to the people to bring their children to the nearest health centre besides Anganwadi centres and educational institutions to make the programme a success.
Chief Medical Officer Baramulla while speaking on the occasion said that the programme was organised to create awareness among the masses especially children about the importance of deworming through medication.
While addressing the gathering, he said that a target has been set to provide deworming tablets to more than 4 Lakh children of the district including all dropouts and all the front line workers will be visiting house to house to deworm the target population of the district under 1-19 years age group.